WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2023
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 50
FREE
Here’s what’s new, and what to expect Arvada 7th when Casa Bonita Denver reopens grader wins
Colorado Civics Bee
BY JO DAVIS AND LINDA SHAPLEY JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM AND LSHAPLEY@ COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
While the exact date for Casa Bonita’s much-anticipated grand reopening is still under wraps, a sneak peek of the facility in Lakewood reveals that, much like its high divers, you’re in for a deep plunge into nostalgia. Restaurant officials announced May 26 that while Casa Bonita is in a beta-test mode, it will open with limited dinner hours, and first guests will be pulled exclusively from the email list, with no walk-ins. (Sign up at this link.) On Friday, officials offered a sneak peek of the pink palace to media, so we can now confirm: it’s still the same kitschy place you may recall fondly. In fact, the owners worked very hard to preserve and restore the original 1975 look. The exception is the much cleaner look of the restaurant, especially the kitchen. The most notable part of the press tour was security. This visit and every piece of information on it was under an embargo until today. At the site, several Allied Universal Security personnel maintained lines. The only people allowed through the security rope were those lucky enough to find themselves on a strict list of names. Security may be a theme moving forward as well. Two metal detectors stood idle by the front doors. The press was allowed to bypass them. The public may not have that option. Despite all the secrecy, there are a few things we can share now from our peek inside Casa Bonita.
Sriram Yalavarthy outpaces 15 finalists to claim $1,000 prize BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
(left to Right) Casa Bonita’s Matt Stone, Executive Chef Dana Rodrigues and Trey Parker share the excitement as Denver’s iconic Casa Bonita prepares to re-open in May.
SEE CASA BONITA, P2
COURTESY OF CASA BONITA
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VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 14 | CALENDAR: 17 | SPORTS: 24
Local 7th grader Sriram Yalavarthy had an impressive showing at the first-ever Colorado Civics Bee, besting 15 finalists to win first place and win the $1,000 prize at the May 19 Civics Bee finals. District 20 Representative Don Wilson and Metropolitan State University Professor Robert Preuhs were among the judges for the competition, which featured a live quiz-show style format. The Civics Bee was put on by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Yalavarthy, who attends Drake Middle School, said his love for social studies began by watching “The Nightly News with Lester Holt” with his family every night. “Watching real-life events unfold has prompted me to gain an interest in civics,” Yalavarthy said. Yalavarthy said that he reviewed United States history and the Constitution to prepare for the finals of the competition. He also credited teachers from Drake and West Woods Elementary School with helping him prepare. SEE BEE, P4
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